Future engineers compete to build best bridge

TICONDEROGA - Ticonderoga students tested their engineering skills during the annual Kiwanis Bridge Building Contest recently.

Teams from Ticonderoga High School, Ticonderoga middle School and St. Mary's School competed. A total of 37 students on 11 teams took part.

Students were allowed 90 minutes to build their model bridges to meet size limitations using only the materials provided to them.

Following lunch provided by parents, the bridges were judged for attractiveness and efficiency to see which bridge could carry the greatest load for its weight.

Before the start of the contest, Ti Middle School Principal Bruce Tubbs welcomed the students. Ti Superintendent John McDonald, Jr. spoke with the students commending the event and encouraging students to consider engineering as a career.

"A special thanks go out to Bruce Tubbs and Jim Marshall for hosting the event at the middle school and to our judges, Tony De Franco, Joyce Cooper and Steve Boyce and to Kathy Marshall for her help with lunch," said Graham Bailey of the Kiwanis. "A final thank you goes to the Kiwanis members Ken Engler, Jack Bast, John Bartlett, Bill Bolton, Ross Kelly, Nancy Kelly, Sylvia Boyce and Joe McCranels for providing assistance during the event."

The contest was the culmination of a two-month program in which students were given design guidance and presentations from Bailey and John Grady of the New York State Department of Transportation along with teachers Pam Arzberger from St. Mary's, Paul Jebb from Ticonderoga High School and Jim Marshall from Ticonderoga Middle School. The teachers worked closely with their students on a weekly basis after school.

The winning middle school popsicle stick bridge was designed and built by Team Taco represented by Skyler Torrey and Mike Lapeter, which carried 121 pounds before finally collapsing.

Second place went to the Awesome Engineers team of Colvin Chapman, Samual Shelmadine and Tim Ryan.